Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Seven Years

Seven years ago today, my parents came into my room early in the morning. I don't remember what they said, but the message was clear. I went into their bedroom, sat down on the bed, and held my little brother's hand.

He was already gone. He had passed away before they came and got me. But I laid there and held his hand. I laid there until a stranger with a hearse came and took his body away from us.

He was only 6 years old, weeks away from 7. He was sick for less than a year.

Tommy had a brain tumor that chemotherapy and radiation couldn't fight. Cancer always sucks, but there is a special suckiness about seeing a small child go through all of that.

September is childhood cancer awareness month.

In 2013 11,600 children will be diagnosed with cancer. That's 32 children a day. 
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children younger than 15 years old (after accidents). 
About 1,310 children are expected to die from cancer in 2013. That's 3 children a day

There is an organization dedicated to supporting cancer research and the children and families affected by it. If you feel so inclined, you can read more about my sweet brother Tommy and donate here.